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New family adventure bus is almost R1 million cheaper than the ultra-plush V-Class V300d.
The Mercedes-Benz Vito Select is a very comfortable family van. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe
Mercedes-Benz this month introduced the Vito Select as a new family van to offer a more affordable alternative to the V-Class.
The new V-Class is only offered in one model derivative, the ultra-plush V300d at R2.3 million. More affordable alternatives like the V220d and V250d were entirely omitted from the range.
To fill the gap left vacant by these entry-level and mid trim V-Class models, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vito Select. It is based on the 119 Tourer, which is the most comfortable people mover in the commercially-focussed Vito range.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Vito Select becomes more affordable alternative to V-Class
Vito Select makes a Pitstop
In this week’s episode of The Citizen Motoring’s Pitstop podcast, we discuss the importance of the Vito Select for Mercedes.
The Vito Select is offered in two derivatives, the Mixto and the Tourer. The Mixto is a five-seater with 4.1 cubic metres of space behind the second row of seats. The tourer is an eight-seater with 1.7 cubic metres of space behind the third row of seats.
As the van is aimed at providing family adventures, the seat benches can be moved or removed for maximum versatility. In standard configuration, there is space for three mountain bikes in the back of the Mixto.
Smooth power, plush ride
We were very impressed with the van during the recent media launch drive in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Fitted with chunkier tyres than the V300d and generous ground clearance, the Vito Select provides a plush ride over gravel roads.
Meanwhile on the open road, the 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine purred like a kitten. Sending 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque to the rear wheel via 9G-tronic transmission, the van also took the undulations of the winding highway past Pietermaritzburg in its stride.
At R1 260 000 for the Mixto and R1 360 000 for the Tourer, the Vito Select is anything but cheap. But it includes an impressive list of specifications that you’d usually expect to pay for additionally as optional extras.
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